Ohio DMV Title Transfer Guide

How To Transfer A Vehicle Title In Ohio

When you buy or sell a vehicle, there are a number of steps you must complete to make sure everything goes smoothly and ownership of the car is legally transferred. One thing the seller needs to do is transfer the title to the buyer.

Transferring a title in Ohio is a pretty simple process in most cases. You will have to fulfill the Ohio title transfer requirements which include filling out a DMV title transfer form and paying any applicable title transfer fees.

Ohio has a mostly run-of-the-mill process for transferring a car title after a sale. The first step requires the seller to sign the title over to the buyer.

The buyer will then need to complete a title application and, in some cases an odometer disclosure, before bringing all of these items to the county titling office.

What Do You Need To Transfer A Car Title?

To transfer a car title in Ohio, the seller needs to transfer the title to the buyer with a notarized signature. The buyer will also need to fill out a title application and possibly an odometer disclosure.

The buyer can then take this paperwork to the county titling office where they will need to pay a fee to complete the title transfer.

Please note, there may be additional paperwork required if the vehicle is being purchased from out of state or the vehicle is part of an estate.

How Much Does It Cost To Transfer A Car Title In Ohio?

Ohio has pretty straightforward fees for vehicle titling, but there are some variables that could potentially affect how seamless the process is once you get to the DMV. The title certificate and duplicate title fee are both $15, but you will need to pay a fee of $5 for an out-of-state inspection.

You will also have to pay a $5 fee if you fail to transfer your vehicle title within 30 days of moving to Ohio or purchasing it from a dealer. “How much is a title transfer?” is a tough question to answer precisely, but it shouldn’t cost you more than $40 altogether.

How To Fill Out The Transfer Of Title Form

Filling out a title transfer form for your Ohio vehicle is easy. The first section asks for some standard information about the applicant (you). Next, you will need to check a box to indicate whether you’re applying for an original title certificate, a duplicate title, a replacement or memorandum title, or a salvage title.

You only need to fill out the section whose box you checked. After you’re finished, you will need to sign the form and have your signature notarized.

You can download the Application for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle (Form BMV3774) through the official Ohio DMV website by clicking here.

Requesting A Duplicate Title In Ohio

If your title is lost or damaged and you need to apply for a duplicate, you can do that simply by filling out the title application and checking the box that reads “Duplicate certificate of title”.

You will need to indicate what happened to your original title and provide your title number. There will also be a $15 duplicate title fee.

How To Transfer A Car Title When Owner Is Deceased

When the owner of an Ohio vehicle is deceased, you will have to take extra steps to transfer a title. If you are the surviving spouse, you can bring a car title, death certificate and Surviving Spouse Affidavit to the title office.

The Clerk of Courts Surviving Spouse Affidavit (Form BMV3773) can be downloaded through the official Ohio DMV website by clicking here.

If the estate which the vehicle is a part of is in probate, you will need to wait for the court to assign ownership of the vehicle to somebody.

In any case, an odometer disclosure statement will not be required.

How To Transfer Ownership Of A Car Without A Title

If the current title for a vehicle is lost or damaged, the owner will need to apply for a duplicate before selling the vehicle. This current title can then be used to transfer ownership to the buyer.

How To Transfer A Car Title To A Family Member In Ohio

Transferring a car title to a family member is the best-case scenario when it comes to title transfers.

You can both go to the county titling office together with the necessary paperwork and transfer the title, and you won’t have to state the sale price if there was no actual sale.

My Car Title Signed Was But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?

When somebody purchases a vehicle in Ohio, it is their responsibility to transfer the title. If the buyer doesn’t complete the title transfer and is ticketed or fined, you may be held responsible.

To ensure the title transfer is completed, go to the titling office with the buyer and transfer the title at the time of the sale.

If the buyer doesn’t complete the title transfer and you are being held responsible for traffic violations, contact your local BMV office. You will need to prove that you sold the car and attempted to transfer the title.

Ohio DMV Hours And Contact Information

For more information on questions specific to your title transfer scenario, clarification on the title transfer process in the state of Ohio, or for OH DMV hours and to find the DMV location nearest to you, visit the official Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles website by clicking here.

Common Questions About Ohio Title Transfer

Are there any questions about transferring a car title that we didn’t cover?

We are constantly updating our content and welcome your feedback. Leave us a comment and let us know any other questions you might have regarding how to transfer a car title in the state of Ohio.